In a move that marks a new chapter in Colombian politics, the Centro Democrático has announced Miguel Uribe Londoño, father of the late senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, as its new presidential pre-candidate.
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The announcement, which was made from Rionegro, Antioquia, positions Uribe Londoño, at 79 years old, as the fifth candidate of the political party in the internal consultation that will determine the candidate for the 2026 electoral contest.
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The trajectory of a veteran of public life
Miguel Uribe Londoño’s candidacy is not that of a newcomer to the political scene. The politician born in Medellín is a veteran of public life with a broad background in the business sector, politics, and culture. His experience, far from being an impediment, is seen by those close to him as a testament to his journey and knowledge of the country. According to the media outlet 360 Radio, Uribe Londoño is a man “cultured, passionate about chess, reading, and art,” with residences in both Medellín and Bogotá.
In his academic background, he is an economist and lawyer, which has allowed him to make an impact on various fronts. He was a councilman in Bogotá between 1988 and 1990, and later, a senator for the Conservative Party from 1990 to 1991. In the business sector, he held the presidency of the National Federation of Cacao Growers (Fedecacao) in 1997. Although his name was surrounded by controversy when linked to the embezzlement of the State Bank in 2000, he was acquitted of all responsibility in 2003, which allowed him to continue his career in public life.
A surname marked by tragedy and a new political beginning
The candidacy of Miguel Uribe Londoño, which was announced days after the death of his son Miguel Uribe Turbay on August 11, carries the weight of a surname marked by tragedy. His first wife, journalist Diana Turbay, was kidnapped and murdered in 1991, an event that shocked the national and international public opinion.
Now, with a new role in politics, Miguel Uribe Turbay’s father takes on the challenge of continuing the family legacy and facing the country’s challenges from a new position.
Currently, Uribe Londoño is married to Delia Jaramillo, a renowned 68-year-old designer from Chinchiná, Caldas, who grew up in the city of Cali. Jaramillo, who has dedicated her professional life to the world of fashion, is the owner of a clothing company.
Uribe Londoño’s foray into the presidential race comes at a crucial moment for the Centro Democrático, which is seeking to define its leader for the upcoming elections. The pre-candidate joins a list of aspirants that includes María Fernanda Cabal, Paola Holguín, Paloma Valencia, and Andrés Guerra, which foreshadows an intense internal debate to choose the candidate who will represent uribismo at the polls.